Welsh football players. - Young guns

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Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones

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Just a quick thank you to everyone who has sent e-mails with news on youngsters for this section. It is very much appreciated as I don't always get the time to look around websites as much as I would like, so please keep them coming. Owain

Young guns news - Sunday 28th March 2004.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Scored with a rasping drive on Wednesday night, but even though his goal proved that he is back in form, his side still lost 4-2 to a rampant Yeovil second string. The former Southampton academy member has failed to push on after a very impressive start to the season, and has dropped out of first XI. He will now hope that he can feature in the first team for Saturdays home game against York.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Struck a stunning free kick to send the Southampton U17 team on their way to an unlikely 4-4 draw after being down 4-2 in the second half. The Bristol born midfielder has been in "Beckhameseque" form from dead balls over the past few weeks as he slammed in a stunning free kick against Birmingham. He must now hope that he can step up a level and join fellow Welshman Kyle Critchell (defender) in the U19 side.

David Jones (Man Utd - midfielder) - Has been named in the England U21 squad for the forthcoming friendly with Sweden on Tuesday. The dual qualified midfielder has so far been keeping his options open, but it seems that he has now made his mind up. Although with the new rules he would still be eligible for Wales until he played a senior international for the Three Lions.

Daniel Martin (Derby - defender) + Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) - Started in defence for the reserves on Monday night, but came up against a very impressive Arsenal side containing the talented Jeremie Aliadiere who finished the night with a brace. It was to be a baptism of fire for the Welsh youngsters as the Gunners ran out 4-0 winners. The young Rams would have gone back to the top of the league if they had have won, but at least they battled until they end and only conceded two goals very late on to give Arsenal a very unflattering score line.

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Has extended his stay at Boundary Park for a third and final month. Owen has impressed enough since making his debut back in January to earn a longer stay at Oldham, and should retain his place in the squad for Saturday. He has figured in all eleven games since moving from the Britannia stadium. He is another who will await the naming of the next Wales U21 coach with great interest.

Matthew Rees (Millwall - defender) - Has returned to home town club Swansea on loan until the end of the season. The Wales U21 central defender has already had successful loan spells at Aldershot and Dagenham and Redbridge this season, and will now step up a level as he tries to gain some league experience. He is expected to be in the squad for Swansea's match at Huddersfield.

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Scored for Shrewsbury reserves on Wednesday night, but his goal wasn't enough as they crashed 3-2 to Oldham. The midfielder has been in fine form of late, and has consistently been on the fringes of the first team squad. He was joined in the squad by Dan Tolley (midfielder).

Glenn Tolley (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Has left from Gay Meadow after he came to an agreement with the club over the remainder of the two years on his contract. Glenn has found it hard to break in to first team this season and asked to be put on the transfer list earlier on in the season. He has now signed until the end of the season with Northwich Victoria.

Gareth Williams (Crystal Palace - striker) - Will return to Selhurst Park this week when his month long loan at Bournemouth comes to an end. The Wales U21 international has struggled to make an impact and made only one substitute appearance against Brighton as the Cherries hit a very rich vein of form.

"Gareth's attitude has been first class throughout his stay and we are very grateful for the commitment he has shown." - Sean O'Driscoll, Bournemouth manager

After leaving Bournemouth, the South African born striker has joined Colchester Utd until the end of the season. He was at the club on loan last season, scoring six goals in eight games, and made enough of an impression to be asked back this season.

Gareth Williams (Southampton - goalkeeper) - Has been given the dreaded news that he will not be kept on at St Mary's after his third year as a scholar. The Wales U17, U19 and U20 goalkeeper has joined Tiverton until the end of the season as he looks to find life outside the Premiership Academy.

Young guns news - Sunday 21st March 2004.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Put one over the enemy as his brace for the reserves was enough to sink Spurs on Tuesday night. His goals on the strike of half time and just afterwards was enough to give his a 2-0 victory and also to give the Wales U21 striker one of the best nights of his footballing life.

"One thing he has definitely got is heart and effort. He is a goalscorer and box player with a great striking record in Under-17s and Under-19s. He knows he has to work on certain aspects of his game but he is very much a goalscorer. It is up to him about whether he can take it on." - Eddie Niedzwiecki, reserve team manager

Michael Byrne (Stockport - striker) - Was hoping to be back on first team duty for Stockport this week after being out with injury. Byrne played in the game against Irish League Champions Shellbourne at Stockport last Tuesday. He ran a very strong Shelburne side ragged and was voted MOM in his sides 2-1 win. The live wire striker who capped his first team debut with a goal two weeks ago picked up a niggling knee injury during that game and this was his first game since.

Jermaine Easter (Cambridge - striker) - Scored twice on Saturday to show that manager John Taylor was right to keep hold of him after his initial loan period at the Abbey Stadium. The former Wolves trainee bagged a brace as his new side managed to edge a 3-4 thriller against Darlington.

Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Scored after 80 minutes with a wind assisted free kick as Southampton's U17's ran riot against Bristol City on Saturday morning. In a high scoring game the Wales U16 midfielder got his sides fifth goal as they ran out 6-3 winners against his home town club. He will now hope that after appearing for the Wales U16's, he can now make the step up to U17 level for the next set of internationals.

Chris Jones (Leeds - midfielder) - Was on hand to help his Leeds U19 side record a seventh win from nine games on Saturday morning with a 3-1 win against Huddersfield Town. The Pwllheli born midfielder has been involved with the reserves on a couple of occasions this season, and will hope that he like fellow Welshman Stuart Edwards (defender) can make that a regular thing.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) - Kept up the pressure on manager Dennis Smith with another fine performance for the reserves on Wednesday night. The Wales U21 play maker scored his sides second goal in a 4-0 win against Carlisle, and with the senior side not doing so well of late, he will hope to get a chance to shine before the end of the season.

Daniel Martin (Derby - defender) - Started his first game for the reserves on Thursday night having been an unused substitute for the second string on countless occasions this season. It wasn't to be a winning start for the Welsh qualified defender though as a very young Derby second string lost 2-1. He was joined in the squad by Wales U17 defender Lewin Nyatanga who was one of four U16's on the bench who are still at school.

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Got on the score sheet once again, but it wasn't enough as Barnsley drew 1-1 with Oldham on Tuesday night. The Welsh qualified striker has been in quite good form since moving on loan to Oakwell from Old Trafford and notched up his fifth goal in nine games. He was up against Wales U20 international Gareth Owen (defender) who is on loan at Boundary park from Stoke City.

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) + Dan Tolley (Shrewsbury + midfielder) - Both notched up a goal as Shrewsbury's Youth team ran out easy winners against Mansfield on Saturday. Tolley capped a 3-0 victory with an excellent final goal after stepping off the subs bench after 60 minutes. It was a performance that had Youth team manager Nigel Vaughan waxing lyrical.

Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper) - Played a blinder on Thursday night, but his performance alone could not prevent Crewe's Youth team from going down to a 2-0 first leg defeat to Middlesborough. The Wales U17 stopper made a string of fantastic saves to keep his side in it, even though he was a major doubt up until kick off with a damaged finger. He will now hope his side has better luck in the second leg.

Young guns news - Friday 12th March 2004.

Omar Abdilahi (Blackburn - striker) - Played for Bristol City U17's against league leaders Leicester in midweek, as he started a trial period at Ashton Gate. The Wales U17 squad member got 75 minutes under his belt as he tried to convince manager Keith Millen that he was worth a contract. He was joined in the City starting XI by former Wales U17 goalkeeper Sam Pearce. The game finished 1-1.

David Carns (Torquay - midfielder) - Has been on the move this year after leaving Torquay Utd at the start of the year. The Wales U19 midfielder has moved from Torquay to Moor Green, but has now turned up at Cinderford Town.

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - striker) - Got off the bench for the final 10 minutes of last Saturdays win against against Nottingham Forest. The Wales U19 striker has been in fine form and knocking on the first team door for a while now, and must have enjoyed his brief moment at the weekend. He will now hope that he can get some more game time under his belt this Saturday. Got on the scoresheet in midweek as the Gillingham reserves lost 3-1 to Northampton.

Matthew Crowell (Wrexham - midfielder) - Scored his first league goal for the club on Saturday with a left foot curler against Notts County. The Bridgend born midfield enforcer, has been in superb form since getting his first start a couple of weeks ago against Rushden, and will now hope that he has done enough to tie down a regular spot in the team. He was joined in the starting XI by fellow Wales U20 squad member, Craig Morgan who helped his defence keep a clean sheet.

Richard Duffy (Portsmouth + defender) + Anthony Pulis (Portsmouth - defender) - Started alongside each other for Pompey reserves on Tuesday night as they entertained Chelsea. Both have been regular starters for the reserves over the past few weeks. It was to be a good night for both as Lee Bradbury started his road to fitness with two goals as they won 4-1 on the night.

Jermaine Easter (Hartlepool - striker) - Has extended his stay at the Abbdey Stadium for another month. After falling to a virus that saw him start only two games for Cambridge, the striker will now hope he can get a run of games for the first team to boost his confidence. The 22 year old has obviously done enough to convince manager John Taylor that he has something to offer the first team.

Liam Powell (Leicester - defender) - Got a bitter taste of reserve team football on Monday night as a young Leicester second string were thumped 5-0 by Charlton. With most of the first team squad living in the gloom of the trip to La Manga, the Foxes gave a start to a very young side, who failed to match the more experienced Addicks. Although once again it is nice to see Welsh youngsters playing reserve team football.

Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) - Made some vital last ditch tackles on Saturday, and proved that there are three good Welsh youngsters at The Valley with a fine performance for Charlton's U17 side. The Wales U16 international was twice on hand to rob the Birmingham strikers whilst in good scoring positions, and will now hope that his start in the heart of defence wont be his last this season. The U17's were without midfield enforcer David Evans who is out injured.

Ryan Shawcross (Man Utd - defender) - Scored a consolation goal for Man Utd's U17's as they lost 2-1 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday morning. The tall Wales U16 international swooped to score in what has been a very un happy week for the Red Devil Youth teams, as they also crashed out of the FA Youth Cup in midweek.

Matthew Williams (Man Utd - attacking midfielder) - Has gone on a months loan to Notts County to get some match experience under his belt. The versatile attacking midfielder has been unable to get past the reserve team yet at Old Trafford, but possesses passing ability and will be looking to benefit from the experience of some first team football.
"Matt is a good footballer. Obviously, coming from Manchester United, he is going to have some quality." Gary Mills, Notts County manager

Young guns news - Friday 5th March 2004.

Richard Duffy (Portsmouth - defender) + Anthony Pulis (Portsmouth - defender) - Both started for Pompey reserves on Wednesday night as they entertained Watford. It has been a tough few weeks for Duffy in particular as he is still serving a suspension after being sent off playing for the Swans. His week wasn't to get any better either as his side lost 2-0 courtesy of two late goals from Bruce Dyer.

Jamal Easter (Cardiff - striker) - Returned from the Wales U17 squad training camp to score for the Cardiff U19's as they beat Gillingham 3-0 on Saturday morning. The brother of Wales U21 striker, Jermaine Easter, has been in superb form this season and it will all culminate next week when he travels with Ian Rush' U17's to Portugal to play in the next stage of the UEFA U17's tournament.

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Was once again a starter as Leeds reserves beat Bolton at home on Thursday night. The Wales U19 international has been in fine form this season, culminating in a regular start for a youthful reserve team. It was too be a good night as the defence kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory over a very experienced Bolton XI. He is another player that the new Wales U21 manager should try and keep an eye on......well that would be the ideal choice had that manager been chosen yet!!

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) - Returned to Northampton after playing 12 games for Billericay town who have just climbed out of bottom four. He also scored for Northampton reserves in midweek against Peterborough, taking it on his chest before placing it into bottom corner. The 17 year old has been offered a professional contract, so we will try to keep you updated with the latest on that during the next few weeks. Luke was a part of the first team squad on Saturday against Leyton Orient but didn't make the bench.

Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Has found goals hard to come by of late after breaking into the first team at the start of the season. The Welsh qualified striker has seen his form dip along with that of his club as the Third Division club have seen managers come and go, but on Saturday he found his scoring boots with the equaliser a minute after coming off the bench, as the Pirates come from behind to draw with Oxford.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) - Scored what turned out to be the winner as Wrexham reserves had another titanic battle on Wednesday night. The talented Wales U21 midfielder had the simple job of converting Hector Sam's cross as the Dragon ran out eventual 3-2 winners. He also set up Lee Jones' opening goal with a through ball.

Daniel Nardiello (Man Utd - striker) - Has had his loan spell at Barnsely extended for another month after impressing everyone at Oakwell with three goals in five starts. The Welsh qualified striker has had more luck with his second loan spell after failing to impress the staff at Swansea earlier in the season. The youngster went on to notch his fourth goal on Saturday, but it was to be a very bitter sweet moment as his side went on to concede six goals against a rampant Grimsby.

Matthew Rees (Millwall - defender) - Has returned to The New Den after his loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge. The defender was lucky enough to be out of the first team when they entertained Hereford, a game that culminated in the club taking a 9-0 thrashing!! He will be glad to get some game playing time under his belt during his spell with the conference club.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Scored and put in a mighty performance for Yeovil's second string on Wednesday night against Bristol Rovers, as he highlighted why the Welsh youth team need to take a look at the youngster. The Welsh qualified striker who has just celebrated his 17th birthday, was partnered by fellow Welshman Kevin Gall (striker) swiveled in the dying minutes to get his sides second goal and a share of the points.

Gareth Williams (Crystal Palace - striker) - Has been struck down by a back injury after making his league debut for Bournemouth as a sub against Cambridge. The Wales U21 international was looking forward to getting some game time, but will now hope that the injury wont keep him out for the entire month.

Matthew Williams (Man Utd - striker) - Once again showed that when given the chance he can produce goals at reserve team level. The former Wales U21 international has found getting a game for the reserves harder to come by this season, but scored his second in two games on Thursday, as the Red Devils came back from 3-1 to draw 3-3 with derby rivals City. He was joined in the starting line up by Welsh qualified midfielder, David Jones.

Lee Worgan (Wimbledon - goalkeeper) - Was in fine form on Wednesday night as the reserves beat Southampton 1-0. The former Wales U19 goalkeeper made a series of smart stops to keep the Saints forwards at bay, and must be a sure fire member of the next Wales U21 squad along with Ipswich goalkeeper Lewis Price.